Conversations with Diane di Prima

Diane di Prima was a twentieth-century American poet and social justice advocate, known for her contributions to literature and social justice. She edited The Floating Bear and wrote about her opposition to the Vietnam War, advocacy for Black, Native American, and LGBTQ rights, environmental issues, and women's roles. Her Memoirs of a Beatnik was a sensation, and Conversations with Diane di Prima presents twenty interviews that chart her intellectual, spiritual, and political evolution. The book explores her interest in occult, esoteric, and magical philosophies, her career as an independent publisher, and her commitment to promoting writers such as Audre Lorde.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

Diane di Prima, a prominent American poet of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on both literature and social justice. Her remarkable career is characterized by significant contributions to these fields. Alongside LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka), di Prima co-edited The Floating Bear (1962–69), a highly influential underground publication of the 1960s. Di Prima's poetry and prose vividly capture her unwavering opposition to the Vietnam War, her unwavering support for the rights of Black, Native American, and LGBTQ communities, her deep concern for environmental issues, and her unwavering commitment to eradicating exploitation and poverty. Moreover, di Prima's significance extends to her audacious challenges to the traditional roles expected of American women in society. Her memoir, Memoirs of a Beatnik, became a sensation, and she reflects on its enduring impact.

Conversations with Diane di Prima offers a captivating glimpse into the intellectual, spiritual, and political evolution of this remarkable poet. Spanning from 1972 to 2010, this collection of twenty interviews provides a profound exploration of di Prima's life journey. From her early fascination with occult, esoteric, and magical philosophies to her profound studies of Zen Buddhism, the I Ching, Paracelsus, John Dee, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, alchemy, Tarot, and Kabbalah, di Prima's intellectual pursuits are evident throughout. The book also delves into her later engagement with Tibetan Buddhism and her work with Chogyam Trungpa.

One particularly intriguing aspect of the book is its exploration of di Prima's career as an independent publisher. She founded Poets Press in New York and Eidolon Editions in California, demonstrating her dedication to promoting writers. Di Prima's unwavering commitment to the literary world is evident in her tireless efforts to support and nurture emerging talents.

In conclusion, Diane di Prima's life and work are a testament to her immense talent, courage, and unwavering commitment to social justice and the arts. Her poetry and prose, coupled with her pioneering efforts as an independent publisher, continue to inspire and influence generations of readers and writers. Through her words, di Prima has left an indelible mark on the world, reminding us of the power of poetry to transform lives and ignite change.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496839671